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What You Need To Know About Dentures

There is no shame in wearing dentures. If you are delaying having these dental devices made out of fear of the unknown, the best cure for that fear is having all the facts about dentures so you understand how they can enhance your lifestyle. With that in mind, here are most most important things you must know about dentures.

They Come In Two Types Of Sets -- When your cosmetic dentist told you that you needed dentures, you may not have understood that dentures are available in two types of sets: partial and complete. A partial set of dentures means that only one or several of your teeth are missing and need to be replaced with dentures. This may be due to an accident or some other kind of occurrence that caused extraction. A complete set of dentures is a full-mouth replacement, which means that your entire set of upper or lower teeth need dentures.

They Are Shaped Like Your Old Teeth -- One of the misconceptions that people often have about dentures is they are standard-sized teeth that have to be fitted into your mouth, which may cause discomfort and pain. The reality is that dentures are custom-made, and the process is quite simple. A dental technician will take an impression of your teeth, which will form into a mould. That impression is sent off to an off-site lab where your dentures are built to your exact biting specifications.

Dentures are constructed from acrylic and underlaid with metal for additional support and durability. They are made to slide in and out of your mouth without much effort, but once inside, they form a tight seal to keep the fake teeth in place. Every set of dentures you own will be custom-made.

They Won't Last A Lifetime -- Unlike dental implants and crowns, which are bonded to your gums, dentures are not meant to last a lifetime, and will decay and break down over time. You will probably find that your dentist will have to make new dentures for you once every few years. Dentures are also susceptible to breakage if you eat things such as hard candy, so that may also decrease their lifespan. According to Denture Health Care, dentures last for an average of five to seven years. However, the shifting of the bones in your jaw will have an effect, because as the bone moves, it can distort the way dentures fit in your mouth.

For more information, contact a denturist like Hornsby Denture Clinic.


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